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(No Model.) 3 Sheets-Sheet W H KNIGHT ELECTRIC RAILWAY.

No. 406,743. Patented July 9, 1889.

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3-SheetsSheet 2. W. H. KNIGHT. ELECTRIC RAILWAY.

Patented July 9,1889.

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- W. H. KNIGHT. ELECTRIC RAILWAY.

8 Sheets-Sheet 3.

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WZTA/ESSES UNITED STATES IVALTER H. KNIGHT,

PATENT OFFICE.

OF NEW YORK, N..Y.

ELECTRIC RAILWAY.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 406,743, dated July 9, 1889.

Original application filed March 13, 1886, Serial No. 195,133. Divided and this application filed December 22, 1888. Serial No.

294,441. (No mcdeh) T0 at whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WALTER I-LKNIGHT, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York, State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Railways, of which the following is a specification.

This application is a division of my application for electric railw ays filed March 13, 1886, Serial No. 195,133.

My invention relates to electric railways in which the main supply conductor or conduct ors are inclosed in a slotted conduit; and its,

object in general is to provide (a) an improved construction of plow or currentcollector adapted for general use; (b) means for connecting a plow of the above or any other Stilt, able construction to a car, so that it may move laterally and be used, when desired, in combination with a conductor outsideof the track-rails, and (0) means for temporarily completing the motor-circuit should the car run olf the track or other emergency arise which the normal connection is unable to meet. 1

My invention therefore comprises-- First. Various improvements in the construction of a plow or current-collector, as claimed hereinafter. The nature of these im-; provenients may be outlined by noting that; the plow has a common frame in which are carried two contact-conductors, each inclosed in an insulating-panel and each having a con tact-shoe at its lowerend; also, that the plow.

is movable freely along a transverse guide upon the vehicle and has removable Wearingguards extending through the slot of the conduit.

Second. A transverse guide independent of the car-axle, along which the contact device travels freely. I prefer that this guide extend over the entire path of movement of the 0011- and supply-conductor in case of accident to the normal contact device or other emergency.

Fourth. Various features of construction in the different devices embodied in this application and various combinations of the same, as described and claimed hereinafter.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein Figure I represents in side view the normal and supplementary contact devices, and detail end views of the same in engagement with the supply-conductors are also shown. Fig. II is a cross-section of the road-bed between two parallel tracks, showing a double conduit. Fig. III is a side View of part of the car and the plow. Fig. IV is-an end view of the same, showing the conduit in cross-section. Figs. V, VI, and VII are detail views of the construction of the plow.

A is a supporting-beam forming part of a car or locomotive, by which term I intend to cover any electrically-propelled vehicle, and B is a contact-plow, to be described hereinafter.

G is a transverse guide, supported by any suitable means from the beam A, This guide is independent of the car-axle, and by this change of construction from what is shown in my Patent No. 305,731, dated September.

23, 1 SSaLnnany advantageouspoints are gained, because it allows the plow to be put in place more readily, and permits the extension of the guide beyond the wheels when .the conduotor is outside the track-rails. Then, too, gearing is usually mounted upon the axle, which would interfere with the movement of the plow, and it is often desirable to have the guide movable, so that the plow can be taken out of the conduit. The guide forms a support for the plow, and it preferably embraces the sliding plow-head and extends over its entire path of movement, whereby the engaging-surfaces are protected from the mud and grit, which would inevitably interfere with the free movement of the plow were not this provision made.

G is a double conduit for the supply-conductors of two parallel roads. It consists of a common transverse yoke and two sets of slot-rails properly braced; but particular description is unnecessary, since this conduit forms part of an application for electric railways filed by me December 5, 1888, Serial No. 292,715, and reference thereto is herein made. This conduit is laid outside the track-rail, and the guide is prolonged beyond the carwheel to a point beyond the slot in the conduit, whereby there is no danger of the plow becoming accidentally disengaged from the guide. The sliding connection between the vehicle and the plow allows the latter to follow any irregularities in the slot of the conduit and" permits the rounding of curves without binding.

Whenever a car is derailed the motor-connection is liable to be broken, either by the plow being pulled out of the conduit or by its being torn away from its attachment to the car. In all such cases, or wherever the normal electric connection is insufficient to meet an emergency which arises, it is desirable to have a supplementary contact device connected to the motor through a flexible or yielding conductor of considerable length, which can be placed in circuit with the supply-conductor by hand, and so temporarily complete the motor-circuit until the normal contact device can be again used. This supplementary motor-connection, which I call the manual contact device, is not drawn along by the vehicle, but is independent of its movement, so that the contact device may engage with the (supply) conductor at a fixed point, and the flexible conductor will be made long enough to permit the desired movement of the vehicle.

In Fig. I, E represents the manual contact device, and D is the flexible or other yielding conductor connecting it to the vehicle at points a a, which are the terminals of the motor. This contact device E has a shank extending into the conduit, carrying two contact-pieces for engagement with the supplyconductors F F. The shank can be readily turned in the slot of the conduit, and the contact-pieces have one dimension narrower than the slot, so that it is simply necessary to put the contact device down through the slot, and then by giving it a partial turn the contacts will engage the conductors and the circuit be completed to the motor, which is represented at I, Fig. I.

An insulated handle may be provided for the contact device at a point outside the conduit.

I will now proceed to describe the construction of plow 15, which is the normal contact device before referred to, and desire it to be understood that this plow is adapted for general use wherever the supply-conductors are placed, and that while some parts of its construction have especial functions in combination with the transverse guide many others would be equally serviceable in a plow connectedto the vehicle in any other manner.

The plow consists of a common support or frame, preferably made of metal and having three downwardly-projecting grooved legs S, so that two guideways or seats V VV V are formed between the different legs, and in each such guideway there is placed an insulating-panel enveloping a conducting-strip. By this construction each conductor can be replaced without disturbing the other, while the intervening metallic leg adds greatly to the strength of the plow, and the'insulatingpanels need not be so wide as is necessary when both conductors are in one panel. Each insulating-panel is held in one of the guideways in the legs and may be secured in any desired way. As shown in Fig. I, the sheathing wholly incloses the core to a point below may be attached, as desired; but it is important that this connection be made at the upper end of the plow, for then the lead does not catch against the sides of or otherwise interfere with the plow as it travels back and forth upon the transverse guide.

The contact-shoes K and L are hinged to the cores, respectively, on longitudinal axes, and are normally held at an angle thereto by springs Z. They project in opposite directions from the uprightportion of the plow, so that, although they may be turned into line with the frame and so inserted through the slot, when once in place they spread out, meeting the supply-conductors F F,which are protected by the overhanging slot-rails. Each shoe carries a contact-piece L, which is connected thereto with an intervening air-space, whereby the heat of the contact-piece does not destroy the spring-hinge nor burn the insulation.

Hardened wearing pieces or plates b1) are secured to the plow-frame by bolts or screws and take the wear against the edge of the conduit. These plates are let into the projecting legs S S, so as to be substantially flush with their outer surfaces. They are attached independently of the conducting-strips, and both plates and strips are carried by the common frame; These plates or guards have an especial function, in combination with a transversely-sliding plow, for the head 0 of the plow should be made of'some dressed ma terial in order that it may slide freely, while the plates may be attached thereto and replaced when worn out without necessitating a new head or frame. The plow is guided by the conduit-slot, and this movement the supporting-frame for both contact-shoes has; but

IIO

the contact-shoes have a limited independent movement relative to the frame, which compensates for any minor irregularities in the line of the conductors. The conduit-slot is shown conventionally in Fig. I, and the supply-conductors F F, which are of opposite .polarit-y, may be supported therein as desired.

I claim as my invention- 1. The combination, with an eleetricloeomotive having a contact device adapted to normally maintain a traveling connection between the stationary supply-conductor and the motor of the locomotive, of a supplementary contact device having a flexible connection with the motor and adapted to be manually operated to connect with the said supply-conductor.

2. The combination,with an electric locomotive and a supply-conductor inclosed in a conduit, of an intermediate contact device extending into the conduit and a supplementary manual contact device having a flexible connection with the locomotive and having one dimension smaller than the opening in the conduit, so as to be inserted and withdrawn therethrough at will.

3. In an electric railway, the combination, with a terminal of a propelling electric motor, of a contact device adapted to normally maintain a traveling electrical connection between the motor and a supply-conductor, a supplemental flexible conductor leading from said terminal, and a manual contact device there'- on adapted to be placed in connection witha supply-conductor.

4. In an electric railway, the combination of a supply-conductor and the terminal of a propelling electric motor, with a connection therefrom leading to a contact device normally in contact with the supply-conductor, and a supplemental flexible conductor also connecting with the terminaland normally out of contact with the said conductor, but adapted to be placed manually in engagement therewith. A

5. In an electric locomotive, the combination of the propelling-motor'and two contact devices, both in electrical connection with one. pole of the motor, one of said contact devices being normally in engagement and the other normally out of engagement with a supplyconductor.

posed supply-conductor extending along the line of way with a contact device independent of the movement of the vehicle and in engagement with the conductor at a substantially fixed point and an electrical connection between the contact device and the motor.

9. In an electric railway, the combination of a vehicle and a propelling-motor with a conduit, a supply-conductor therein, a 0011- tact device engaging with the conductor in the conduit detached from and not partaking of the movement of the Vehicle, and a yielding electrical connection between the contact device and the vehicle. p

10. The combination of a vehicle, a motor, a line-conductor, and an electrical connection adapted for normal traveling contact with the line-conductor, with a flexible conductor longer than the normal connection between the motor and line-conductor connected to a rary connect-ion with said line-cond uctor.

11. A manual contact device for use upon an electric railway and disconnected from the vehicle, except through a flexible conductor comprising a bared contact-surface adapted to be placed in engagement with a supplyconduotor,-and a support for the contact-surface, having an insulated handle.

12.- The combination, with a conduit and an inclosed conductor, of a manual contact device disconnected mechanically from the vehicle and comprising a'contact-conductor adapted to extend into the conduit, an insulating-handle outside the conduit, and a flexible conductor for connection with a translating device. c Q

13. In an electric railway, the combination, with a supply-conductor inclosed in a slotted conduit, of a contact-conductor smaller in diameter than the width of the slot, so as to turn therein, and an offset at its lower end having one dimension smaller than the width of the slot, so as to be withdrawn there-, through.

14. In a current-collector for electric railways, the combination of a common frame or, support with two independent ins ulatin g-panand contaot-conductors in thespaces bet-ween termediate metallic connecting-piece support ing the conductors- 18. The combination, with the twoinsulated conductors extending through the slot of the conduit, of protecting metallic pieces before.

' conductors engaging the said guides.

r 21. In a current-collector, the combination of the common frame or support, the projecting legs extending down therefrom, the two insulating -panels and contact-conductors, and guiding devices between the panels and the legs. I

22. In a current-collector, the combination of the common frame having two recesses there-in open at their lower ends, insulatingpanels adapted to slide into said recesses, and contact conductors in said panels.

23. In a current-collector for electric rail ways, the two insulated conductors and a common frame having an intermediate portion between the conductors, in combination with a contact-shoe in circuit with each conductor, but extendingin an opposite direction from their supports.

' 24. In an electric railway, the combination of a conduit and the plow consisting of a common frame, two insulating-panels, each inclosing a contact conductor extending down into the conduit in line with the slot, and contact-pieces extending laterally from said conductors.

25. In a current-collector, the combination of the common frame and the two insulated contact -conductors therein, with the pivoted contact-shoes projecting in opposite directions.

26. The combination of the insulated conductors of opposite polarity and a common protectingframe therefor with a contactshoe pivoted directly to each of said conductors.

27. The combinatiomin a current-collector, of the common frame, two insulated contactconductors carried thereby, two contact-shoes depending below the cond uctors, respectively,

and an insulating projection behind each shoe.

28. The combination, in a current-collector,

of a supporting-frame having two or more projecting legs, an. insulating panel and conductor included between the said legs, and an electrical connection from the said conductor serted through the opening between said legsand guided thereby, and a connection with the said core extending through the upper part of said frame, but insulated therefrom.

32. The combination, in an electrically-pic pelled vehicle, of a transverse guide, a contact device forasupply-condnctor inclosed in a slotted conduit engaging therewith, having a frame or guard to which the contactrconductor extending through the slot is attached, and an electrical connection leading from said contact-conductor at a point above the said frame or guard to a fixed point of the vehicle.

33. In a contact device for an electric railway, the combination of a frame or guard having depending legs, an insulating-panel adapted to be inserted between saidlegs and secured thereto, and a conducting-core in said panel having'a contact-piece atone end and at the other end a connecting device.

34. The combination, with the plow-frame,

' of the flat conducting-core insulated therefrom and a contracted conductor extending from the upper end of said core through the frame for-connection with the propellingmotor. Y

35. The combination of an insulated protected conductor extending through the slot of a conduit with a pivoted shoe in circuit with said conductor and having a contactpiece connected to its support with an intermediate air-space.

36. In a contact device for an electric railway, the combination, with a metallic frame or guard, of aconducting-core therein extending below its insulating-sheathing to a c011- tact-piece, and the said insulating-sheathing wholly inclosing the said core to apoint belovs the said'frame or guard.

37. The combination, with the conduit and the insulated cond uctor adapted to extend into the conduit, of a permanent frame or guard therefor connected to the vehicle and wearing-pieces attached to the frame and extendin g into the conduit.

38. In an electric railway, the combination of a slotted conduit inclosing a supply-condoctor, a plow frame or support connected to the vehicle, a contact-conductor carried by said support, and a removable wearing-guard fastened to the support independently of the conductor.

39. In an electric railway, the combination of a slotted conduit inclosing a supply-conductor, a collector-support carrying a contactconductor, and removable guard-plates along the edges of the support for protecting the same.

40. The combination of the supportin g-piece connected to the vehicle and extending down into the conduit with a conductor carried thereby and a wearing-piece between the side of the conduit and the support secured to said support.

41. The combination of the conduit, the plow-frame having two or more projecting legs, and the insulated conductor with a removable guard attached to each leg and extending into the conduit.

42. The combination of the plow-framehavin g two or more legs extending down through the slot of a conduit and guard-plates pro tecting each leg from wear against the conduit.

43. The combination of a plow or currentcollector extending through the slot of acon-- dnit and a guard let into the same, so that their outer surfaces are substantially flush.

44.. The combination of a contact-conductor extending into a slotted conduit with a protecting-piece and a removable wearin '-guard substantially flush with the outer surface of the protecting-piece.

45. The combination of the plow frame or guard extending into a slottedconduit and a contact-conductor carried thereby with removable wearing-guards let into the frame substantially flush with its outer surface.

46. In a current-collector, the combination of the conductor extending through the slot of a conduit with a plow-frame having an exposed panel of insulating material in which the said conductor is inclosed, detachable wearing-guards on the frame extending into the conduit, and a support for the frame permitting transverse movement relatively to the vehicle. 7

47. The combination of the transverse guide, the plow frame movable along the same, and the wearing-pieces attached tothe frame.

48. The combination of the transverse guide, the plow-frame engaging therewith and carrying an insulated conductor with an electrical connection at its upper end, permitting movement of the conductor, and detachable wearing-pieces attached to the frame and extending into the slot of the conduit.

4L9. In an electrically-propelled vehicle, the combination of a transverse guide independent of the axle, a conduit, and an inclosed conductor with a plow movable freely along said guide.

50. In an electric railway, the combination of a conduit, a conductor inclosed therein, a transverse guide independent of the car-axle, a contact device for the conductor, and aconnection between the contact device and the vehicle movable freely along said guide.

51. The combination of a transverse guide independent of the car-axle, a contact device, a mechanical connection between the contact device and the vehicle movable freely along said guide, and an independent electrical connection between the contact device and motor.

52. The combination of a conduit and inclosed' conductor with a transverse guide upon a vehicle independent of the axle, acontact-plow movable freely along said guide, and a flexible electrical conductor between the plow and motor.

53. The combination ofa vehicle, a transverse guide independent of the axle, a conduit and inclosed conductor with a common frame movably connected to said guide, and two contact devices connected to the frame and extending into the conduit.

54. The combination, with a contact device for an electric locomotive, of a moving head attached thereto and a transverse guide ex tending over the path of movement of said head and embracing the same, whereby the engagingsurfaces are protected.

55. In an electric railway, the combination, with a supply-conductor inclosed in a conduit beneath the surface of the roadway and a Vehicle upon the roadway, of an intermediate contact device, a moving head therefor, and a transverse guide beneath the vehicle ex tending over the path of movement ofsaid head and embracing the same, whereby the engaging-surfaces are protected from mud and dust.

. 56. The combination of a conduit, an inclosed conductor, a transverse guide upon the vehicle, and an insulated protected contactconductor extending into the conduit and movable along said guide to compensate-for irregularities in the slot, and a contact-piece in circuit with said conductor and movably attached to its support.

57. The combination of a vehicle, a transverse guide thereon, a conduit and inclosed conductor with an insulated protected contact-conductor extending into the conduit and movable along said guide, and a contactpiece in circuit with said conductor and movably connected to its support through an intermediate spring.

' 58. The combination of a common plowframe, two conductors therein,'and contact devices movably attached to'their supports, the said frame having bearings permitting movement relatively to the vehicle.

59. The combination of a vehicle, a transverse guide thereon, and a common frame carrying insulated contact-conductors and movable along said guide with two pivoted contact devices having movements independent of the frame. a

. 60. The combination of a transverse guide upon a vehicle with a current-collector movable along said guide and consisting of a common frame or guard, two insulating-panels, and a contact-conductor inclosed in each of said-panels.

01. The combination of an electrically-propelled vehicle, a conduit outside the trackrails, and a supply-conductor therein with a transverse guide, a contact device for en gagement with the conductor, and intermediate connections movable freely on said guide.

62. The combination, with a vehicle, a conduit placed outside the track-rails, and a supply conductor therein with a current-collector connected to the vehicle at a point beyond the wheels and movable laterally relative thereto.

ductor therein with a transverse guide on the vehicle, a contact device,'and a support therefor movable along said guide.

64. The combination of a vehicle and a transverse guide thereon extending beyond the Wheels with a supply-conductor laid substantially parallel with the track and outside the rails, and a contact device connected to and movable along said guide.

65. The combination of the vehicle, the conduit and line-conductor extending along outside of the track, and the transverse guide extending beyond the Wheel of the vehicle with the plow or collector movable laterally along the guide.

66. The combination, with the vehicle, the conduit and line-conductor outside the track,

and a transverse guide connected to the vehicle and extending beyond the slot in the conduit, of the current-collector movable freely along said guide.

67. The combination, in an electric raili way, of a slotted conduit, an inclosed supply- 63. The combination of an electrically-prof pelled vehicle, a conduit extending along the line outside the track-rails, and a supply-conconductor, and an electrically-propelled vehicle with a contact-plow extending down into the slot and movable laterally relatively to the vehicle and a hinged contact shoe or piece connected to the plow at a point inside the conduit and having an independent movement relatively to the remainder of the plow.

68. The combination, in an electric railway, of a conduit and inclosed supply-conductor, an intermediate contact-plow consisting of an upright part extending down into the conduit and movable laterally relatively to the vehicle, and a contact shoe or piece hinged to the upright part on a longitudinal axis at. a point Within the conduit.

HALTER H. KNIGHT.

Vitnesses:

JALEB H. SWAN, EDWARD S. BEACH. 

